Status Quo's original frantic four announce one off March tour

With past feuds behind them the original 1971 line-up of 3 chord rockers Status Quo featuring Francis Rossi, Rick Parfitt, Alan Lancaster and John Coghlan will reform for a one-off, never to be repeated series of UK dates in March 2013.

Drummer Coghlan left the group in late 1981, and his drumming can be heard on classic Quo songs such as 'Caroline', 'Down Down', 'Rockin' All Over the World' and 'Whatever You Want'. Parfitt joined Rossi, Lancaster, Coghlan and Roy Lynes to form the classic Quo line-up in 1967. Keyboardist Lynes is not part of the reformed band, and no keyboard player has been announced for the gigs, just as it was when the 'Frantic Four' toured from 1971 to 1976.

Status Quo manager Simon Porter said, "People have wanted this announcement to be made for years, and here it is. This is a real moment in the chequered history of Status Quo and it comes after almost 30 years of acrimony, and 10 years of law suits and court battles. Just 2 years ago the thought of the Frantic Four performing again was unthinkable. Now, 50 years on from when Francis and Alan first performed together as schoolboys, it is fitting that everything has come full circle for these unique one-off shows."

The Quo state that this series of dates truly is a one off – Status Quo are now, and remain, Francis Rossi, Rick Parfitt, Andy Bown, John 'Rhino' Edwards and Matt Letley – and have no intention of changing personnel.

More details, including the likely contents of the set, will be announced by the band themselves at the Classic Rock Awards on 13th November 2012.

Sun 10 March O2 Academy, Glasgow
Tue 12 March O2 Academy, Manchester
Wed 13 March Civic Hall, Wolverhampton
Fri 15 March Hammersmith Apollo, London
Sat 16 March Hammersmith Apollo, London

Tickets will go on sale at 9am on Friday 16th November priced at £39.50 for London and £38.50 regionally, and eGigs will have links to buy them then.

FUTURE GIGS